Town’s fire station will not close, says authority chief

Hoping to secure the future of Epworth Fire Station are l-r Chairman of the Fire Authority Coun John Briggs, ward councillor Liz redfern, Isle MP Andrew Percy, and ward councillor David Robinson

Published:13:57Friday 02 November 2012

EPWORTH’S fire station will not close, according to a fire chief.

A meeting was held in the town amid fears that the base could be under threat.

Isle MP Andrew Percy and ward councillors Liz Redfern and David Robinson were in attendance.

At the meeting they sought assurances from Coun John Briggs, chairman of Humberside Fire Authority, who said that Epworth’s station would remain open.

Coun Briggs said afterwards: “The fire authority has given very clear instructions that we intend to close no fire stations in the authority area.

“Instead, we will work to find efficiencies in back office functions and also generate revenues through commercial opportunities.”

Mr Percy said: “It is essential that we retain a fire station in Epworth and that is why we met with the chairman of the fire authority to seek assurances this weekend. Our firefighters do a great job protecting our area and we were delighted to be able to support them.”

Coun Redfern, said: “It is important to residents that we allay their fears about any potential station closures.

“Coun Briggs has made it very clear Epworth station has a very clear future.”